Showing posts with label Dani Pettrey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dani Pettrey. Show all posts

Friday, September 7, 2018

REVIEW: CHESAPEAKE VALOR 4: DEAD DRIFT ~ DANI PETTREY


Dead Drift is the fourth and final book in the Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey, and the series is best read in order as we check in with the “main characters” from the previous books, and find connections to cases going back to the previous books (I say “main characters” because Pettrey’s work reads more like an ensemble characters rather than main characters and secondary characters).  If you were to start the series with Dead Drift, you would miss out on a whole lot and might have a hard time connecting all the dots, so my suggestion is start with Cold Shot and make your way through Still Life and Blind Spot before getting lost in Dead Drift.  It is well worth it as the series only gets better with each book, and we spend a good amount of time with all the characters throughout each book. 

 
Dead Drift picks up right where Blind Spot left off; Luke walks into CCI where the friends he left behind are celebrating preventing the Bay Bridge Bombing, and he enlists them to help him stop suspected terrorist Khaled Ebeid once and for all.  The action starts right there and doesn’t let up until the very end. 

 
We finally learn why Luke left without a word, and the fact that he believed he was leaving only for a short mission goes a long way towards understanding how he could abandon Kate without a backward glance.  There is also a lovely gesture towards the latter half of the book which proves Luke always intended to come back for Kate, and it goes a long way towards mending Kate’s (and my) heart.  However, the longer Luke stayed away, the harder it became to return home, and before you know it almost eight years have passed and he no longer recognizes the man in the mirror.  With time, distance and perspective Luke has finally realized just how badly he was manipulated by once trusted Professor Malcolm (though he doesn’t play the blame game and takes full responsibility for the choices he made), and how badly he longs for the life, and love, he left behind.  Dead Drift gives us a marvelous villain in Luke’s unstable former handler, Lauren Graham, a woman scorned with an axe to grind; she could never forgive Luke for not falling for her “charms”, and she absolutely loathes Kate who so obviously holds Luke’s heart.  As if worrying about Ebeid was not enough, Luke must also protect headstrong Kate from the CIA’s most lethal assassin who has a penchant for playing games with her prey before she pounces.  Honestly, I feared Lauren more than I did Ebeid! 

 
While the majority of our group focuses on stopping the terrorist threat, Griffin and Finley both take a leave of absence from work and head to Houston to continue working all of the cold cases murdered Agent Steven Burke was investigating before his untimely death, and aim to finally bring Jenna’s killer to justice.  With the Shore Killer mysteriously aware of their every move, Griffin and Finley find themselves in greater danger than they ever anticipated.

As always, the characters’ faith is ever-present yet not overwhelming for non-believers.  Luke has a harder time than the others connecting with God, for while he never lost his faith, he carries much guilt over the choices he’s made and the orders he’s followed since he abandoned his old life.  Kate loves the Lord, but has trouble letting Him shoulder all of her burdens, and carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders is becoming an unmanageable task.  Throughout the non-stop action of Dead Drift, the biggest challenges these two face might not be the terrorist threat or figuring out their personal relationship after all these years, but learning to let go and let God.

I enjoyed every single page of Dead Drift, and find it to be my absolute favourite book of the series.  As I neared the end I honestly feared that there weren’t enough pages left to give us a satisfying conclusion, but Pettrey managed to deliver in spades.  My only criticisms would be that we didn’t get to spend much time with Avery and Parker this time around, and I keenly felt their absence, and there is also the question of an engagement ring that absolutely no-one reacted to.  I am also curious to discover if Tanner’s parents have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior – her father is such a mysterious (and apparently misunderstood) character, and I think there is a lot of story left to tell there.  We do get satisfying resolutions to the great mysteries we have been investigating alongside the gang since book 1, but I do feel there is definitely potential should Pettrey have an inkling to give us more Chesapeake adventures in future.  I find myself quite sad that our adventures with the Chesapeake Bay gang are over, and while I always look forward to Pettrey’s future projects, I sincerely hope that she considers rejoining them sometime in the future.  Oh the mysteries the eight of them could solve together!

The Chesapeake Valor series is a very satisfying faith-filled, love-trumps-all, action-packed ride, of which Dead Drift is the cherry on top.

 

Product Information:

Title: Dead Drift

Series: Chesapeake Valor (Series Best Read In Order)

Author: Dani Pettrey

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Year: 2018

Pages: 304

ISBN-10: 0764212974

ISBN-13: 978-0764212970

ASIN: B079C1N73V
 

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Tuesday, September 4, 2018

REVIEW: CHESAPEAKE VALOR 3: BLIND SPOT ~ DANI PETTREY


Blind Spot is the third book in the Chesapeake Valor series by Dani Pettrey, and the series is best read in order as we check in with characters from the first two books, and more importantly, find connections to cases going back to both previous books.  If you were to start the series with Blind Spot you would probably be able to connect the dots, but my guess is you would feel a little lost at times. 
 
 

Blind Spot commences a few weeks following the conclusion of Still Life, and focuses on FBI agent Declan Grey as he continues to investigate the threat that “the wrath is coming”, a terrorist threat that he believes is imminent, though his superiors aren’t as convinced.  The gang’s newfound friend, Tanner Shaw, joins the FBI as a crisis counselor, and as Declan’s investigation leads to a human trafficking victim Tanner has been helping to transition, Declan and Tanner are paired together to crack the case.

 
Declan and Tanner met in Cold Shot, and while they initially appeared to be like oil and water, there was certainly an undeniable spark; only, Declan believed himself in love with his friend, Kate – who was still in love with their friend Luke, who had disappeared seven years prior.  However, the more time Declan spends with Tanner, the more he realizes that his feelings for Kate were never quite what he had thought, and that what he is coming to feel for Tanner goes much deeper than what he ever felt for Kate.  Mistaken first impressions, misunderstandings and Declan’s overprotective tendencies towards Tanner have been getting in the way, but as Declan and Tanner are forced to work together they each start seeing the true other, and can no longer deny the attraction between them.  Within their first few hours as partners, however, Declan and Tanner find themselves attacked several times, confirming Declan’s belief that he is getting closer to the truth, and before Declan can begin to consider the ramifications of his feelings for Tanner, he must keep them both alive.  It also becomes apparent that there is much more to Tanner than he ever imagined as she possesses skills no mere crisis counselor should have, and it’s time for the gang to learn the truth about their new friend’s past. 
 
While Tanner and Declan look into the death of Steven Burke (who was found murdered in Still Life), and find a surprising connection to Jenna McCray (Griffin’s sister) and Max Stallings (who was arrested in Cold Shot), the others investigate a case concerning the guys’ one time little league coach.  While helping all the others, Kate is still searching for her college boyfriend, Luke, who had disappeared without a trace seven years prior.  Kate is the only one of the friends who believes that Luke is still alive after all this time, and Blind Spot finally confirms that Luke is indeed very much alive.  We finally learn why he left and get an idea of what he’s been up to, but to poor Kate’s dismay, she finally discovers that Luke left his life, and all of them, voluntarily.  I’ve been hurting with Kate and for Kate since Cold Shot, and I look forward to digging into the next book, Dead Drift, to finally get to Kate and Luke’s story.  The boy’s certainly some ‘splainin’ to do, but the few scant scenes in Blind Spot have already softened my heart towards an obviously lost Luke.  If anyone can forgive him and help him heal (besides Jesus), it’s our girl, Kate. 
 
Usually I get annoyed when an author divides her time (and therefore my time) between the main characters and secondary characters, but what Pettrey does beautifully is make the reader so invested in all the characters and both cases that as we spend time with Griffin and co, we are very much present, but still anxious to rejoining Declan and Tanner to continue their investigation as well.  She creates a perfect balance between the two cases.  The Chesapeake Valor books read more as an ensemble series than main characters and secondary characters, and we get to spend a satisfying amount of time with all the characters in each book.
As always, the characters’ faith is ever-present yet not overwhelming for non-believers.  Again, both characters go into the relationship with steady faith, which I find refreshing as usually in religious fiction one of the characters leads the other to Christ – which is, of course, wonderful, but I am quite enjoying reading about couples who share a love of God from the get-go and who are only stronger as a unit because of it. I would classify the book as action/suspense first, with a satisfying touch of romance and religion.  A good balance; a satisfying, action-packed, emotional read.  The Chesapeake Valor series gets better with each book.
 
 
Product Information:


Title: Blind Spot

Series: Chesapeake Valor (Series Best Read In Order)

Author: Dani Pettrey

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Year: 2017

Pages: 329

ISBN-10: 0764212966

ISBN-13: 978-0764212963

ASIN: B0713TL6RN


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Monday, January 1, 2018

REVIEW: CHESAPEAKE VALOR 2: STILL LIFE ~ DANI PETTREY

Still Life by Dani Pettrey is the second book in the Chesapeake Valor series.  Each book in the series will be loosely connected to the others in that it will feature the same group of characters and an independent, but will function well as standalone stories in that each book will have different main characters.  While it is not necessary to read all of the books or to read them in order, enjoyment of the series will obviously be enhanced by reading all of the books in order.
 


Still Life takes place a few months after the conclusion of Cold Shot.  Parker Mitchell’s assistant, Avery Tate, has resigned her position with him as she has accepted both the fact that she loves him, and that he still loves Jenna, his deceased first love, and she finds being close to him every day, bearing the burden of her supposed unrequited love too difficult to bear.  When Avery’s childhood friend, Skylar, goes missing and Avery suspects foul play, she however has no option but to turn to the best crime scene analyst she knows and Avery and Parker’s paths cross again.  With Avery back in his daily life and the void she had left behind once again filled, Parker can no longer deny his feelings for her; but where does that leave his devotion to Jenna?  Can he still honour her memory if he allows himself to love another?

To Avery’s horror her hunch soon proves correct and Skylar turns up dead.  In order to find answers, Avery must navigate the life she had left behind, exposing her dreaded past to the man she most wants to impress.  Facing the ugly truths and painful memories of her past forces Avery to confront her demons once and for all, and she must expose her deepest hurts and greatest regrets to Parker if she hopes to have a future with him.  As the team begins to investigate Skylar’s murder, Avery and Parker’s mutual attraction becomes the least of their worries when it seems Skylar’s killer has set his sights on Avery.
 
 
My review of Cold Shot made it clear that I found Parker and Avery to be a much more interesting pair than Griffin and Finley, and Still Life did not disappoint.  Where Cold Shot made Finley a sidekick, Avery is very much an integral part of the investigative team.  As opposed to Finley and Griffin in the first book, Avery and Parker spend the majority of the book together as they face all obstacles as a team. 

With the murder investigation on the forefront, the book also takes the time to delve into Avery’s insecurities stemming from a past she is struggling to make peace with, as well as Parker’s struggle to move on from loving and losing Jenna.  Both issues are beautifully explored and the character development for both Avery and Parker is realistic and satisfying.   

As with Cold Shot, the religious elements in Still Life add to the story without being overwhelming, sure to satisfy believers, yet not exasperate non-believers. 

I very much enjoyed Still Life, and will certainly continue the series with both Blind Spot (Declan and Tanner’s story), and Dead Drift (Luke and Kate’s story).  Declan and Tanner uncovered a terrorist plot in Still Life, and I believe this story will develop even further in Blind Spot, and perhaps even in Dead Drift as the long lost Luke finally proves to be alive as Kate has always believed, and comes home to face the ones he left behind.  When Kate learns he disappeared and left her behind voluntarily to become a secret operative, will she finally let him go, or will he give her a reason to hold on? 



Product Information:

Title: Still Life

Series: Chesapeake Valor (Standalone)

Author: Dani Pettrey

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Year: 2017

Pages: 352

ISBN-10: 0764212958

ISBN-13: 978-0764212956

ASIN: B01M6W47W7

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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

REVIEW: CHESAPEAKE VALOR 1: COLD SHOT ~ DANI PETTREY

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey is the first book in the Chesapeake Valor series.  Each book in the series will be loosely connected to the others and feature many of the same characters, but will function well as standalone stories.  While it is not necessary to read all of the books or to read them in order, enjoyment of the series will obviously be enhanced by reading all of the books in order.
 

 
Cold Shot follows the story of former sniper turned park ranger Griffin McCray who uncovers a fresh grave during a routine patrol.  What initially seems to be a relatively routine investigation turns deadly when forensic anthropologist Finley Scott discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper.  With Finley refusing to back down from investigating the case, Griffin has no choice but to work with the interesting woman whom he has studiously worked to avoid for several months, along with his childhood friends, FBI agent Declan Grey and crime scene analyst, Parker Mitchell. 

 
 
When their persistent digging places Finley in the crosshairs of the deadly sniper, Griffin must finally admit his attraction to her and the fact that he has avoided her because he doesn't believe  himself ready for the kind of relationship a woman like Finley deserves.  Along with everything else on Griffin's plate, the tension between him and Parker places the entire team on edge.  Finley learns that the trio, who were once inseparable, drifted apart following the disappearance of their friend, and a mysterious traumatic event in their past which Griffin and Parker refuse to discuss.  The reason for this rift is another mystery the reader must work to solve. 

Along with finding the killer, Griffin must face his past, confront his demons and come to terms with a few hard truths to not only protect the woman he can no longer deny he loves, but to feel worthy of her.  Unbeknownst to Griffin, the "perfect" Finley is fighting demons of her own when their case places her life in danger, reminiscent of a previous case that left her with scars she desperately tries to hide from her new friends.  What exactly happened to Finley also remains a mystery through a large part of the story, adding to the list of mysteries which must be solved.  

It may not be fair to compare an author's newest works to its predecessors, but let's be honest; we all do it.  While the quality of Dani Pettrey's work remains top notch, I found that I did not enjoy Cold Shot nearly as much as I did the Alaskan Courage series, each book having had me on the edge of my seat throughout.  Those were well-researched, had great suspense, character depth and growth and tangible chemistry.  This was not the case with Cold Shot. I just did not connect with Griffin and Finley, or their story, to the extent that I was invested in the outcome, or ever feared for their safety at any one point.  I was way more invested in the few moments we got to share with Parker and Avery (who feature as the main characters in the second Chesapeake Valor book, Still Life; review to follow in due course).  Both Griffin and Finley are likable, intriguing characters, but for me they just did not have the chemistry I have come to expect from Pettrey and I found it hard to get emotionally invested in their story.  While Finley is opened interested in Griffin from the get-go, the bigger part of the story sees Griffin fighting his attraction to Finley and shooting her down.  At times I also found myself thinking that Finley does not have enough scenes and that she does not feel like a main character.  Instead of utilizing the potential a smart and brave female character such as Finley presented, her skills were ultimately not essential to the investigation, and she became a sidekick to Griffin's hero, sadly only serving as a damsel in distress for him to protect. I would say Cold Shot is about 80% mystery, 20% romance, and I personally prefer my mystery-to-romance-ratio way more balanced. 

I do love the way Pettrey portrayed both Griffin and Finley as devout Christians who each have a deep, meaningful relationship with God.  The religion aspect of the book was perfectly balanced, very much present but not too overbearing to be off-putting to readers who might be non-believers.  I loved all of the prayers both Griffin and Finley prayed; those were beautifully written.

All in all Cold Shot is by no means a disappointing read, but I cannot deny that it fell short of my expectations.  I am, however, very much looking forward to reading Parker and Avery's story and I will be picking up Still Life shortly.

 
 Product Information:
Title: Cold Shot
Series: Chesapeake Valor (Standalone)
Author: Dani Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Year: 2016
Pages: 338
ISBN-10: 0764211978
ISBN-13: 978-0764211973
ASIN: B012H0ZYAQ

 
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Thursday, February 19, 2015

REVIEW: SABOTAGED ~ DANI PETTREY


Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey is the fifth and final instalment of the Alaskan Courage series.  The book can be read as a standalone as this story focuses on Reef and Kirra, but the books are definitely best read in order as you get to revisit main characters from previous books. 


Reef and Kirra are partnered as volunteers during the annual Idatrod when the frontrunner, Kirra’s uncle, goes missing.  Reef insists on accompanying Kirra as she searches for her uncle Frank.  They soon learn that Kirra’s cousin has been kidnapped and that Frank is being forced to do “a job” to ensure Meg’s safety.  Kirra and Reef embark on the journey of their lives as they try to not only find the missing Meg, but discover what Frank is being forced to do. 


Along the way, Kirra is forced to confront a buried hurt that is still hovering over her life and influencing not only her present but any chance of a happy future as well.  As Reef assists, supports and comforts Kirra during this very stressful time she comes to find he is no longer the irresponsible playboy hooked on adrenaline and excitement that she once knew. He grounds her and gives her stability during a time that is anything but stable. God is no doubt using Reef to help Kirra face and overcome her demons.  Could it be that her childhood nemesis is the answer to her prayers?


I love the McKenna family and I love the Alaskan Courage series, but sadly this final instalment (one I’ve been looking forward to so much) is my least favourite in the series.  Reef has become unrecognisable from the character we first met.  Now, this might be intentional – Pettrey may want to illustrate the way a person can change once he gives his heart to the Lord – but my problem is this character does not seem like Reef at all; it felt like a whole new character for me.  This Kirra also seemed different to me than the Kirra we met in Silenced.  I love the fact that she is a vet and she runs a shelter for rescued sled dogs, yet none of this was incorporated into this story, which I found very disappointing.  The Mckenna family business, Final Frontier Adventures, also played no part this time around which felt strange to me. 

The action portion of this story also didn’t grab me as strongly as the previous books did.  I remember reading the previous books, especially Shattered, and being so tense!  I feared for characters’ lives in the other stories, but not this time around.  The danger just didn’t feel real to me. I enjoyed that Pettrey made the reader so much a part of the scene in the past (she took me diving, skiing, kayaking, mountain climbing) and sadly I didn't experience that feeling this time around. 

I love that Reef and Kirra found each other, but it all just seemed to happen a little fast for me.  I found the pacing of their relationship a little unrealistic.  Having said that, the characters complement each other well and it was lovely to see how Reef helped Kirra come to terms with her past, and helped her heal.  Focus on faith is ever present, which I appreciate and enjoy, and we get to visit with all the other McKennas and their significant others one last time.

All in all a satisfying conclusion to the Alaskan Courage series. 


Bethany House Publishers has graciously supplied me with a complimentary copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you very much!


Product Information:
Title: Sabotaged
Series: Alaskan Courage (Standalone)
Author: Dani Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Year: 2015
Pages: 337
ISBN-10: 076421196X
ISBN-13: 978-076421196
ASIN: B00MBTYFV8

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Friday, June 13, 2014

REVIEW: SILENCED ~ DANI PETTREY


Bethany House Publishers has graciously provided me with a complimentary copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!


A blissful day of free climbing turns ugly when Kayden McKenna discovers the body of a dead climber.  Kayden’s experience and expertise immediately alert her that the fall was no accident, a claim soon confirmed by the Yancey coroner. 

Ever since Jake Cavanagh’s secret past was revealed (by Darcy in Stranded), Landon has been trying to convince Jake to become a deputy with the Yancey Police.  Short staffed and desperate for help, Landon finally convinces Jake to take on this one case.

Kayden’s expertise and connections to the climbing community make her a vital part of the investigation team, and Kayden and Jake are paired together to solve the murder.  Working closely together and spending time alone may finally be the catalyst that brings two stubborn, broken people together.


Silenced by Dany Pettrey is the fourth book in the Alaskan Courage.  Each book can be read as a stand-alone, though I recommend that they be read in order as each book features the same characters, and it’s a pleasure to continue their journeys with them.

Kayden discovered heartbreak at the age of sixteen when her beloved father passed away.  Never mind the pain she felt at losing a loved one, she saw what it did to her mother when the love of her life died.  That’s when Kayden made the decision to never give her heart to a man - if you didn’t give someone your heart, they couldn’t shatter it.  Two short years later Kayden’s mother passed away from Rheumatoid Arthritis.  That loss made Kayden completely withdraw into herself, refusing to ever be dependent on someone else.  Kayden became the strong one in the family; the one who never let anyone see her pain, the one who never broke down, the one who never cried – at least not where anyone could see.  Her mother’s illness also fuelled her to become the health nut we have come to know and love.  Kayden fights every day and denies herself life’s small pleasures in the hope that living a rigidly healthy existence will keep her from suffering the same fate as her mother.


Jake used to be a dedicated, if arrogant, detective.  His refusal to back off a murder case ultimately cost the lives of his wife and child, something Jake has never been able to forgive himself for.  Once the guilty parties were behind bars he left the police, left his town and started drifting from one place to the next, never settling in one place for too long – until the McKennas.  Before Jake knew what hit him, he had a new family; but there was truthfully only one reason he stayed: Kayden. Even though she made no secret of the fact that she didn’t trust Jake, she had his heart and there was nothing he could do about it.


Kayden was fascinated and intrigued – and very possibly, in love – with Jake since the moment she met him; though nobody would ever suspect.  Kayden’s open hostility and distrust towards Jake was a point of contention with her family, but it served its purpose – nobody would ever guess he held her heart.  Ever since the truth about Jake’s past came out, Kayden’s fallen even harder for the strong, silent man who has become a part of her life.  This case, spending all this time alone with Jake, would take every bit of her willpower to stay strong, to remind herself why they could never be together.

Getting to know the woman who holds his heart is a gift Jake couldn’t be more thankful for.  He can’t hide his surprise, though, as Kayden continues to open up towards him.  Could there be any chance, any chance at all, that Kayden could actually return his feelings?  The climbing community doesn’t take kindly to Kayden suspecting one of them to be guilty for the murder, and subtle and not-so-subtle threats soon surround Kayden, bringing out Jake’s protective instincts.  Yet when the case is wrapped up, the threats continue – and they get darker.  When Kayden is severely injured right before his eyes, with him powerless to stop it, Jake can no longer ignore the truth – his past has come back to haunt him, and to once again rip the woman he loves out of his life.


I love the McKenna family, and I love this series, but Silenced may be my favourite yet.  Kayden and Jake have both intrigued me from the start of the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed finally getting into both of their heads – and hearts.  What a joy to watch them embrace their feelings for each other.  Who knew Kayden has been in love with Jake all along?  Yet it makes perfect sense.

The focus on faith is again ever present.  Kayden and Jake share a strong faith, and it makes them that much more compatible, and brings them that much closer to each other.  I especially love Pettrey’soundtrack for the book, and Jake and Kayden’s song happens to be one of my personal favourites – Collide by Howie Day; perfect!

In Submerged the McKennas took me diving; in Shattered they took me skiing; in Stranded they took me on several outdoor adventures, including kayaking, and in Silenced they took me climbing.  Pettrey’s writing is truly exceptional – she doesn’t tell you, she shows you.  I’m always right there with the McKennas, joining them in their adventures – that’s one of the things I love most about this series; I know I’m in for some adventure, suspense, and romance.  This time around we also get to attend two weddings: Cole and Bailie’s, and Piper and Landon’s.  It’s such a pleasure to watch these relationships take off and grow.

I really look forward to the next book in the series, Sabotaged, which will focus on Reef and Kirra.  I’ve had a soft spot for Reef ever since reading Shattered, and I’m very intrigued by Kirra who we met in Silenced.  I look forward reading this story knowing that she might be the one to finally anchor Reef, and he might be the one to repair the damage that was done to her – though we don’t know what happened to change her yet.  Sabotaged is scheduled for release in 2015 – a long wait, but sure to be well worth it.


Product information:
Title: Silenced
Author: Dany Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Year: 2014
Number of pages: 337

ASIN: B00GHXROW6

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